3 players in serious danger (and 2 who are safe) in Survivor 46, episode 8

The tribes on Survivor 46 have merged and placed one member on the jury. Only 10 players remain, and most have been in the crosshairs at one point or another through seven episodes. A few others have made their way thus far without causing many waves.

One of the best traits of the post-COVID era of Survivor is the total unpredictability of the game and the players. Jeff Probst loves to throw twists and alliances often just last fro one vote. Someone who might appear to be in control during one episode, might just be sent packing the next.

The season 46 cast has been extremely entertaining, but they're maybe not the best game players ever. Players this season have cost themselves with their social games, and so far, there haven't been many strong strategic plays, outside of Soda's ouster in episode 7.

Players most likely to be voted out in episode 8

Ben

Ben has done nothing so far other than be a nice guy. He's outgoing, and everyone seems to like him. His social game is on point. He's not shown any strategic acumen so far, yet his name has been tossed around fairly often. There are much bigger threats in the game, but unless Ben can find a strong alliance, he might be on the block.

There is a path for Ben to advance deep in the game, though. In episode 7, he formed a bond with Kenzie when she consoled him during a panic attack. Kenzie and Tiffany are growing closer as they look for a way to distance themselves from Q. That separation hasn't come yet, but it's very possible the women will turn on Q soon. Maybe Ben can take his place in their alliance of three.

Q

There is no doubt that Q is fun to watch, but it seems as if he's heading toward an implosion. He's slowly and steadily alienating his closest allies in the game with his playing style and penchant for wanting everything done his way.

While Kenzie and Tiffany separate themselves from Q and maybe plan to blindside him, Q might have done himself a big favor by adamantly protecting Hunter when Tim went after Hunter in episode 7. Q was convinced his journey alliance was in place, but when Tim chose to keep things going along tribal lines, Q reacted quickly and saved Hunter.

Hunter is in a close partnership with Tevin, and if those two recognize Q's efforts to save Hunter, they could form a formidable alliance for a few votes. It's doubtful Tevin will take to Q's style for very long, but it might be a way to stave off any move against Q immediately. Q's aggressive gameplay might not make him worth saving, though.

Venus

Poor Venus! She wants to play the game hard, but her personality drives any possible allies away. She took credit for a move Tevin orchestrated in episode 7, and he wasn't happy about it at all. Neither was Liz, as we learned in the latest sneak peek at episode 8.

Tevin and Venus haven't gotten along yet, and Tevin has pretty much soured everyone's opinion of Venus (when she wasn't doing that herself).

No one trusts Venus at this point of the game, and she's become a bit of a wild card. Few wild cards do well in Survivor. She isn't one to take direction well in that even if she could find players willing to work with her for a vote or two, if she doesn't agree with the possible target, there is no way to tell what she will do.

There doesn't appear to be a path for her to advance much further in the game. Whether the next tribal council will be her last before she takes her inevitable place on the jury or not, her time in the game is surely near the end.

Players who should be safe in episode 8

Liz

Liz has done nothing in the game so far and hasn't made any obvious enemies. She's probably a safe person to drag to the final three by better players. Unless she rises above her current gameplay and makes some big moves, no one will hand her $1 million due to her self-proclaimed wealth.

She can be a valuable ally if she will stay loyal. If she is willing to play the game as just a vote, a number, then she's in no danger of going anywhere soon. It appears she might try to pull off a big move and take herself further instead of sitting back and being carried.

Maria

Maria continues to play a strong, subtle game. Her confessional sessions reveal more about how she's playing than her gameplay does sometimes. She seems to know what's going on around her and makes decisions accordingly.

There is a good chance she will be the one to take out Tevin, if anyone does. She is well-liked, and similar players have done very well in Survivor. Her gameplay indicates she can go far in this game. Unless something goes wrong for her, or she makes big mistakes, it would be a shock if she doesn't make the final five. It wouldn't be surprising to see her win it all.

Of course, no one knows what wild shenanigans will occur in episode 8. Whenever you think you know what will happen, you can count on things falling apart and going in a completely different direction. That's what everyone loves about the game!